WINNSBORO – Fairfield County’s decision to publish public notices in a newspaper with a smaller reach than The Voice’s runs contrary to state law, according to a County Council member and S.C. Attorney General opinions. At Monday night’s council meeting, Councilman Douglas Pauley accused Council Chairman Moses Bell of pulling legal notices from The Voice […]
Promise Program eligibility expanded
March 25, 2021 By
WINNSBORO – Council members voted unanimously to amend its memorandum of understanding relating to the Promise Program, extending eligibility from 12 months to 36 months after graduation. County Administrator Jason Taylor said the program, which aims to provide a college education free of cost to qualifying Fairfield County students, is suffering from poor participation. “Right […]
Emergency ordinance fails again
March 25, 2021 By
WINNSBORO – Fairfield County Council once again voted against reinstating the county’s emergency COVID-19 ordinance. The vote was 4-3, but because it’s an emergency ordinance, a two-thirds majority (five votes) is required. Council members supporting the ordinance say it’s necessary to protect county employees and the public from contracting the novel coronavirus. Those opposed to […]
Developer: County could be on the hook for millions if it breaks Mt. Zion contract
March 18, 2021 By
WINNSBORO – After weeks of publicly claiming that the cost of renovating Mt. Zion is unknown, County Councilman Moses Bell and the three-member ad hoc committee he appointed to find out those costs, were reminded Monday night that the cost information is readily available to the public. Rory Dowling, principal of 1st and Main which […]
COVID-19 statute fails… again
March 11, 2021 By
WINNSBORO – Members of the public are once again welcome at Fairfield County council meetings despite objections from some office holders. On Monday night, council members voted 3-3 on a motion to renew the county’s emergency COVID-19 ordinance. The tie vote constituted a failed vote. Councilman Mikel Trapp was absent. Council Chairman Moses Bell and […]
Above and Beyond
March 11, 2021 By
WINNSBORO – Charles ‘Rowdy’ Harris, the Lake Wateree Park Manager, center, is congratulated by members of county council after he received the S.C. State Park Service Director’s Award. The award is presented each year to the park employee who has gone above and beyond. Harris has managed a new campground and new challenges associated with […]
How much is the renovation of Mt. Zion costing the county?
March 4, 2021 By
Council Chairman Moses Bell says the cost of the Mt. Zion contract is unknown and has appointed an ad hoc committee to determine those costs. That information, county officials say, has been readily available from the county and from the developer. WINNSBORO – During a Feb. 10 county council special called meeting, Council Chairman Moses […]
Council Chairman handpicked attorney for council vote
February 26, 2021 By
WINNSBORO – Charles Boykin helped elect, and then re-elect, a state lawmaker who later wrote him a glowing letter of recommendation for the Fairfield County attorney position, according to documents obtained by The Voice. In 2018 and 2020, Boykin donated to the campaign of state Rep. Annie McDaniel, who represents Fairfield County. Boykin contributed $100 […]
Bender: Fairfield ad hoc committee meeting likely illegal on 3 levels
February 26, 2021 By
WINNSBORO – Fairfield County Council likely violated several provisions of state law when it shut out the public in hiring a new county attorney, according to an opposing council member and a media law attorney. In doing so, council members risk costly litigation challenging the process and nullifying related votes, observers say. At a special […]
Fairfield County Rec. Department opens fitness center
February 25, 2021 By
WINNSBORO – Fairfield County Parks and Recreation has opened a state-of-the-art Community Fitness Center located adjacent to the athletic fields at Drawdy Park at 795 5th Street behind the County building in Winnsboro. The facility covers 5,000 square feet with an exercise room that features over a dozen machines that help with cardio training, weight […]
